Helpful Score: 5
This story was AMAZING! Even though the book is written for young adults, it has something for everyone to relate to. The loss of someone close to you, the yearn of young love and moving on from those choices that are safe instead of right. I frantically turned the pages of this book to see what was going to happen. I laughed, I cried, I realized the truth about forever.
Helpful Score: 3
This review is written by a teen:
I am, like I said, a teen. I am an avid reader and love books. I'm not much of one for romance, but I loved this book. This is the second Dessen book I've read (First was Just listen), and it's my favorite. It has very amazing views on life and it's meaning. I liked how it wasn't all sad or all happy. I laughed at some points and almost cried at others. It showed me what a difference little things in life are. The character were well made, and it didn't just drone on. I loved it.
I am, like I said, a teen. I am an avid reader and love books. I'm not much of one for romance, but I loved this book. This is the second Dessen book I've read (First was Just listen), and it's my favorite. It has very amazing views on life and it's meaning. I liked how it wasn't all sad or all happy. I laughed at some points and almost cried at others. It showed me what a difference little things in life are. The character were well made, and it didn't just drone on. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 2
The truth about forever is it's happening now. Don't miss it.
That sentiment goes for the book and for life in general. This story centers on Macy Queen, a girl who's lost her father to a heart attack, and about her family and the way that they've all become locked into the denial stage of grief. As always Dessen tells another great story and introduces you to a cast of characters that you enjoy spending time with. While the chaotic catering crew is over the top, they are also fun and believable and just the remedy that Macy needs. While the hole in the driveway is a too-obvious metaphor for the hole in someone's life, and Wes pulling Macy out of it seems a bit heavy handed as far as foreshadowing goes, it works.
While the story is engaging from beginning to end, there was a period where Caroline, Macy's sister and possibly the most together member of the family was also the least interesting, but she turns out quite well in the end.
This story is clearly chick-lit but its not just a typical romance. There are other aspects developed as well and overall the story is compelling and charming and an all around good read.
That sentiment goes for the book and for life in general. This story centers on Macy Queen, a girl who's lost her father to a heart attack, and about her family and the way that they've all become locked into the denial stage of grief. As always Dessen tells another great story and introduces you to a cast of characters that you enjoy spending time with. While the chaotic catering crew is over the top, they are also fun and believable and just the remedy that Macy needs. While the hole in the driveway is a too-obvious metaphor for the hole in someone's life, and Wes pulling Macy out of it seems a bit heavy handed as far as foreshadowing goes, it works.
While the story is engaging from beginning to end, there was a period where Caroline, Macy's sister and possibly the most together member of the family was also the least interesting, but she turns out quite well in the end.
This story is clearly chick-lit but its not just a typical romance. There are other aspects developed as well and overall the story is compelling and charming and an all around good read.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful book for teens or young adults!
Helpful Score: 1
A book from the young adult section without sex is always awesome! It was a nice story. I liked the whole theme of forever throughout the book. It was definitely nice to read how someone deals with loss in different ways, and how different people form relationships with others through their feelings of loss. Good book. there is light language and underage drinking in it.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book! Dessen is a good storyteller! This book is really sweet...loved it!
Its a book about a teen growing up in one quick summer. Very relatable, brought me down memory lane without bringing down my reading level. Young women or even older should both enjoy this book. I,myself, am 29.
THIS BOOK IS THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ! I read this book over a year ago, now. And I've re-read it about 7 times! A little slow in the begining, but once you meet the Wish catering crew, you can NOT stop reading! And Wes... Well, where do I start?! If you want to describe pretty much the perfect guy in one word it would be: Wes. I would reccomend this book to readers of all ages.
My Thoughts: Oh how I love thee Sarah Dessen! My first book was Lock and Key! This is my second book I've read by her! I love her writing story and I seem to like the characters alot. We get to know Macy, who thinks she HAS to be perfect but really she does not want to be perfect. She feels guilty about her father passing away. I won't give too many details about that as its told very slowly in the book. But, we get to know her feelings and I felt myself relate to almost everything she felt. I also lost my dad, when I was 13 so I could understand Macy's pain. Macy's boyfriend thinks it would be best if they took a break over the summer while he goes and does his own thing. Except he wants her to take over his old job! She also starts working For Wish Catering and we get to know all the people who work there! Well, she than meets Wes. By the way, this guy is totally swooooonnn worthing! I fell in love with him over the course of the book and now I wish he was real! Are you real out there somewhere Wes? To sum it up, if you haven't read any of Sarah Dessen books, start off with this one, its a good romantic fun read!
Overall: Love Love Love Love this book!
Overall: Love Love Love Love this book!
Nice, easy read. Good beach book.
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
Although the heroine of this novel, Macy, is only seventeen, it's a wonderful read for anyone who has ever experienced the lost of a love one; for anyone who's strived to be the "perfect" person that everyone can know and love; and for every mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend who has only wanted one thing from life--to be happy, loved, and accepted for who we really are.
The last year and a half has been hard on Macy. After witnessing her father's death after a Christmastime morning run, she's strived to be the "fine just fine" girl--a perfect helper for her mother, a perfect balance to her older sister Caroline's wild days, and a perfect girlfriend to her genius boyfriend.
But when Jason heads off to Brain Camp for the summer and unexpectedly asks for a "break" in their relationship, Macy's world is thrown even more off-kilter. She'd already committed to taking Jason's place at the Library Information Desk for the summer, and she hates the job, and the Miss Perfection girls she gets snubbed by on a daily basis. Her evenings are spent dutifully studying for her SATs the following year, and even her weekends are filled with helping her mother with her business and ironing her clothes for the week.
Then, during a party her mother throws for prospective clients, Macy meets the staff members of Wish, a chaotic catering business. Delia, the very pregnant owner; Kristy, the scarred girl in the outrageous outfits; Monica, the Queen of the One Word Answer; Bert, who's convinced the end of the world is near; and Wes, a boy who spent time in reform school after his parent's divorce and then lost his mother to cancer.
During this particular summer, Macy comes to realize that being the perfect daughter, sister, and girlfriend doesn't stop the world from being a crazy place. It doesn't insulate you from hurt. In fact, being spontaneous, creating new friends, looking outside the shell of a perfect existence, is the only way to realize the truth about forever--it can be two seconds long, or a hundred years. The moment you're living now is your forever, and Macy finally learns how to reach out and grab the moment.
I really loved this book! Although touted as a YA read, I think any woman would enjoy it. It's sad, humorous, and compelling, a definitely wonderful read.
Although the heroine of this novel, Macy, is only seventeen, it's a wonderful read for anyone who has ever experienced the lost of a love one; for anyone who's strived to be the "perfect" person that everyone can know and love; and for every mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend who has only wanted one thing from life--to be happy, loved, and accepted for who we really are.
The last year and a half has been hard on Macy. After witnessing her father's death after a Christmastime morning run, she's strived to be the "fine just fine" girl--a perfect helper for her mother, a perfect balance to her older sister Caroline's wild days, and a perfect girlfriend to her genius boyfriend.
But when Jason heads off to Brain Camp for the summer and unexpectedly asks for a "break" in their relationship, Macy's world is thrown even more off-kilter. She'd already committed to taking Jason's place at the Library Information Desk for the summer, and she hates the job, and the Miss Perfection girls she gets snubbed by on a daily basis. Her evenings are spent dutifully studying for her SATs the following year, and even her weekends are filled with helping her mother with her business and ironing her clothes for the week.
Then, during a party her mother throws for prospective clients, Macy meets the staff members of Wish, a chaotic catering business. Delia, the very pregnant owner; Kristy, the scarred girl in the outrageous outfits; Monica, the Queen of the One Word Answer; Bert, who's convinced the end of the world is near; and Wes, a boy who spent time in reform school after his parent's divorce and then lost his mother to cancer.
During this particular summer, Macy comes to realize that being the perfect daughter, sister, and girlfriend doesn't stop the world from being a crazy place. It doesn't insulate you from hurt. In fact, being spontaneous, creating new friends, looking outside the shell of a perfect existence, is the only way to realize the truth about forever--it can be two seconds long, or a hundred years. The moment you're living now is your forever, and Macy finally learns how to reach out and grab the moment.
I really loved this book! Although touted as a YA read, I think any woman would enjoy it. It's sad, humorous, and compelling, a definitely wonderful read.
Perfectionist Macy's summer doesn't seem promising. With her genius boyfriend, Jason, off at smart kids' camp, all she has to "look forward to" is taking over Jason's job at the library's info desk. What's more, Macy's mother refuses to talk with her about Macy's father's sudden death, instead throwing all her energy into running her thriving real estate business.
Then Macy meets the Wish Catering crew: the hassled, very pregnant Delia; Monica, who nickname is Monotone (which accurately describes her languid movements and thoughts); Kristy, an outgoing let-loose girl, Macy's exact opposite; Bert, who loves to give rides in his ambulance-turned-Bertmobile; and Wes. Like Macy, the handsome, creative Wes has also had a troubled childhood, when his mother died and he was sent to jail. However, the two end up becoming friends, thanks to games of Truth.
Meanwhile, Macy's relationship with her mother deteriorates. Just when Macy wants to break out of her silent, perfect exterior she's been putting on ever since her father died, her mother is scared of losing her daughter and pulls her back. And will Macy ever acknowledge the truth about her and Wes' friendship... that maybe it is more than that?
Sarah Dessen delivers another well-written winner. It is easy to get caught up in Macy's world. Any book that has me screaming at the characters out of frustration or empathy is worth it, and this book has done it.
Then Macy meets the Wish Catering crew: the hassled, very pregnant Delia; Monica, who nickname is Monotone (which accurately describes her languid movements and thoughts); Kristy, an outgoing let-loose girl, Macy's exact opposite; Bert, who loves to give rides in his ambulance-turned-Bertmobile; and Wes. Like Macy, the handsome, creative Wes has also had a troubled childhood, when his mother died and he was sent to jail. However, the two end up becoming friends, thanks to games of Truth.
Meanwhile, Macy's relationship with her mother deteriorates. Just when Macy wants to break out of her silent, perfect exterior she's been putting on ever since her father died, her mother is scared of losing her daughter and pulls her back. And will Macy ever acknowledge the truth about her and Wes' friendship... that maybe it is more than that?
Sarah Dessen delivers another well-written winner. It is easy to get caught up in Macy's world. Any book that has me screaming at the characters out of frustration or empathy is worth it, and this book has done it.
Although the heroine of this novel, Macy, is only seventeen, it's a wonderful read for anyone who has ever experienced the lost of a love one; for anyone who's strived to be the "perfect" person that everyone can know and love; and for every mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend who has only wanted one thing from life--to be happy, loved, and accepted for who we really are.
The last year and a half has been hard on Macy. After witnessing her father's death after a Christmastime morning run, she's strived to be the "fine just fine" girl--a perfect helper for her mother, a perfect balance to her older sister Caroline's wild days, and a perfect girlfriend to her genius boyfriend.
But when Jason heads off to Brain Camp for the summer and unexpectedly asks for a "break" in their relationship, Macy's world is thrown even more off-kilter. She'd already committed to taking Jason's place at the Library Information Desk for the summer, and she hates the job, and the Miss Perfection girls she gets snubbed by on a daily basis. Her evenings are spent dutifully studying for her SATs the following year, and even her weekends are filled with helping her mother with her business and ironing her clothes for the week.
Then, during a party her mother throws for prospective clients, Macy meets the staff members of Wish, a chaotic catering business. Delia, the very pregnant owner; Kristy, the scarred girl in the outrageous outfits; Monica, the Queen of the One Word Answer; Bert, who's convinced the end of the world is near; and Wes, a boy who spent time in reform school after his parent's divorce and then lost his mother to cancer.
During this particular summer, Macy comes to realize that being the perfect daughter, sister, and girlfriend doesn't stop the world from being a crazy place. It doesn't insulate you from hurt. In fact, being spontaneous, creating new friends, looking outside the shell of a perfect existence, is the only way to realize the truth about forever--it can be two seconds long, or a hundred years. The moment you're living now is your forever, and Macy finally learns how to reach out and grab the moment.
I really loved this book! Although touted as a YA read, I think any woman would enjoy it. It's sad, humorous, and compelling, a definitely wonderful read.
The last year and a half has been hard on Macy. After witnessing her father's death after a Christmastime morning run, she's strived to be the "fine just fine" girl--a perfect helper for her mother, a perfect balance to her older sister Caroline's wild days, and a perfect girlfriend to her genius boyfriend.
But when Jason heads off to Brain Camp for the summer and unexpectedly asks for a "break" in their relationship, Macy's world is thrown even more off-kilter. She'd already committed to taking Jason's place at the Library Information Desk for the summer, and she hates the job, and the Miss Perfection girls she gets snubbed by on a daily basis. Her evenings are spent dutifully studying for her SATs the following year, and even her weekends are filled with helping her mother with her business and ironing her clothes for the week.
Then, during a party her mother throws for prospective clients, Macy meets the staff members of Wish, a chaotic catering business. Delia, the very pregnant owner; Kristy, the scarred girl in the outrageous outfits; Monica, the Queen of the One Word Answer; Bert, who's convinced the end of the world is near; and Wes, a boy who spent time in reform school after his parent's divorce and then lost his mother to cancer.
During this particular summer, Macy comes to realize that being the perfect daughter, sister, and girlfriend doesn't stop the world from being a crazy place. It doesn't insulate you from hurt. In fact, being spontaneous, creating new friends, looking outside the shell of a perfect existence, is the only way to realize the truth about forever--it can be two seconds long, or a hundred years. The moment you're living now is your forever, and Macy finally learns how to reach out and grab the moment.
I really loved this book! Although touted as a YA read, I think any woman would enjoy it. It's sad, humorous, and compelling, a definitely wonderful read.
I love this book! Not only does it describe real life situations that you can relate to but it also allows you to escape from the world at the same time.
A great read. Light reading, kept me interested, but didn't keep me from getting my "chores" done. Even though it was easy to put down, the author did a fine job in showing the different ways of grief. I had a knot in my throat when Macy hides away the gadgets in the attic so her Mom wouldn't throw them away.
Wow!!!! This book teaches you a good leason, it's really pretty too you'd love it.
